Job: Director, Network Planning

Jobing Description

Job Title: Director, Network Planning
State: Alaska
City: Anchorage
This is a technology leadership role within ACS, setting direction and overseeing execution of next generation network deployment, with significant focus on our wireless and broadband systems. The position is expected to provide both long range and tactical network plans in support of strategic and immediate needs for all of Alaska Communications network infrastructures. The role will also oversee engineering standards and performance management programs for all networks and proactively identify tactical and long-range performance or capacity improvements. The role will have significant interaction with ACS marketing and sales organizations, and is responsible for coordinating network growth switch sales and marketing targets. The role will have daily interactions with Sales and Marketing, supporting various strategic and customer initiatives; and will be required to interact with ACS end customers as a technology leader.

Essential Functions Statement(s)

Lead and develop a team of network planners, including providing work assignments and direction/assistance, mentoring/coaching, skills development, recruiting, performance management.

Partnering with Network Engineering teams, support development of strategic plans, develop capital plans, capital budgets, and execute strategic projects within planned and communicated budget and schedule. Present strategic plans and/or proposals to senior management team.

Review and improve processes/workflows related to strategic network planning, engineering standards, capacity and performance management, and pre-sales engineering studies.

Develop expense budgets and operate within them, including negotiating vendor cost reductions, evaluating options, and managing vendors on an ongoing basis.

Support and coordinate pre-sales engineering activities where network additions or changes are necessary to meet customer needs.

Competency Statement(s)

Project Coordination Skills - Must process strong organization, planning, analytical and problem solving skills. Will assist project managers and directors in leadership and management of all aspects projects on multiple, small-scale project planning, execution, timing, and functionality, quality, communication, and cost. Will draft and update project plans as directed by the project manager, lead meetings for issues, risks, change, and action items. Maintain project plans, provide project metrics, facilitate weekly update meetings, and create/update compliance and project documentation. Ensure timely and accurate communication with project staff throughout the life cycle of the project.

Communication Skills - Successful candidate must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Position will require frequent preparation and delivery of detailed plans and proposals. Strong communication/interpersonal skills with emphasis on decision-making, conflict management, and team building and teamwork. Must have ability to develop work plans, work effectively as a member of a team, report on status of projects, and represent the team in meetings and/or with the client, and be able to coordinate issues identification and resolution between clients and the development team.

Accountability - Ability to plan, organize, measure and coordinate multiple tasks to deliver the budget for product line, revenue and profit.

Communication Skills Written & Oral - Must have excellent oral and written communications skills. Able to succinctly describe status of business.

Project Management - Ability to organize and direct a project to completion.

Management Skills - Ability to organize and direct oneself and effectively supervise others.

Decision Making - Ability to make critical decisions while following company procedures.

Negotiation Skills - Ability to reach outcomes that gain the support and acceptance of all parties.

Coaching and Development - Ability to provide guidance and feedback to help others strengthen specific knowledge/skill areas.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education: Master of Science in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.

Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years progressive experience in Telecom Network Planning or Engineering Management experience.

Other Requirements
Telecom Engineering and/or Project Management experience, preferred.

About the Company:
Headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska Communications today serves the fastest growing segment of users - data dependent consumers and enterprises - and leverages its legacy as a local telephone company to support its wireless and enterprise data network.

Alaska Communications participates in the consumer market primarily through its wireless data and voice product line. The company's network coverage extends from the North Slope to the Southeast panhandle, complemented by data and voice roaming partnerships in the Lower 48 and Canada, enabling us to offer nationwide plans identical to those offered by the biggest brands in the industry.

The company participates broadly in the enterprise market; specializing in serving data needs - whether wireless or fixed. Its fixed data services are delivered over a statewide Metro Ethernet and MPLS network; its data hosting centers; its submarine fiber networks connecting Alaska to the Lower 48; and through professionals who deliver managed services. The professional services product line was recently augmented through an investment in and partnership with a leading IT services in Alaska that, like Alaska Communications, also extends its services to the Lower 48.

Supporting two primary growth strategies is a long-standing practice of continuous process improvement which enables an optimal customer experience. Differentiated Network Assets

Enterprise
Statewide Metro Ethernet and MPLS networks
Data hosting centers in Alaska and Oregon
Two submarine fiber cables between Alaska and Oregon
Two network control centers in Alaska and Oregon
Landing station and management center for 1/3 of all trans-Pacific cables
Peering points in Seattle and Portland
Partnership with and ownership in managed IT services firm

Wireless
Largest 3G network in state: 72% POP coverage with EVDO Rev A
75% sites inside local telephone footprint
Peering points in Seattle and Portland
Ample 3G and 4G spectrum

If these company attributes are appealing to you, this is the company to join. We invest in people who want growth, challenge, and participation in the shareholder value we create.

Please complete the online profile and application. Contact your Alaska Communications Human Resources Recruitment team: Rose C. Muncy, PHR, CIR rose.muncy@acsalaska.com (907) 564-1259

ALASKA COMMUNICATIONS IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER